Surgical Instrument and Savings Inc (Dba Medline Renewal)
Product Code
NLF · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jul 22, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2700
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor is indicated for the continuous non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate. It is intended for use with adult patients in hospitals, hospital-type facilities, and intra-hospital transport. This device is for prescription use only.
Device Story
Reprocessed transmissive SpO2 sensor; utilizes red and infrared LEDs as light sources; photodiode photodetector senses light transmission through tissue; detects time-varying changes in optical properties due to pulsatile blood flow. Used in hospitals, hospital-type facilities, and intra-hospital transport; operated by clinicians. Connects to Nellcor OxiMax or compatible pulse oximeters. Oximeter processes electrical signals via algorithm to output real-time SpO2, pulse rate, and pulse amplitude. Provides continuous monitoring to assist clinical decision-making regarding patient oxygenation status.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical trial conducted under K181738 included 10 healthy adult volunteers (ages 25-36). Study followed ISO 80601-2-61:2011 and ISO 14155:2011. Primary endpoint: SpO2 accuracy comparison. Results: Accuracy of 2% for 70%-100% SpO2 range, passing the Arms specification of 3% under steady-state and non-motion conditions.
Technological Characteristics
Transmissive SpO2 sensor; materials include adhesive bandage, cable, and connector. Sensing principle: dual-wavelength (red/infrared) LED light source and photodiode detector. Connectivity: wired to Nellcor-compatible pulse oximeter. Reprocessed device; non-sterile. Performance specs: SpO2 range 70-100% (±2 digits), pulse rate 20-250 bpm (±3 digits).
Indications for Use
Indicated for single patient use for continuous non-invasive arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate monitoring in adult patients (> 40 kg). Prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An oximeter is a device used to transmit radiation at a known wavelength(s) through blood and to measure the blood oxygen saturation based on the amount of reflected or scattered radiation. It may be used alone or in conjunction with a fiberoptic oximeter catheter.
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Surgical Instrument and Savings Inc (dba Medline ReNewal) % Stephanie Mays Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Surgical Instrument Service and Savings Inc (dba Medline ReNewal) 1500 NE Hemlock Ave Redmond, Oregon 97756
Re: K201699
Trade/Device Name: Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor (model: MAXNAR) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.2700 Regulation Name: Oximeter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NLF Dated: June 19, 2020 Received: June 22, 2020
Dear Stephanie Mays:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal
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statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Todd Courtney Assistant Director DHT1C: Division of ENT, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K201699
Device Name
Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor Model MAXNAR
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor Model MAXNAR is indicated for single patient use when continuous non-invasive arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate monitoring is required for adult patients as indicated in the sensor directions for use. This device is for prescription use only.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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| OEM Device<br>Modela | Device Name | OEM |
|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| MAXNAR | Nellcor OxiMax Pulse Oximeter<br>Sensor<br>(Adult SpO2 Sensor > 40 kg; woven<br>bandage) | Nellcor Puritan<br>Bennett |
| a OEM = original equipment manufacturer. | | |
K201699 Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor included in Submission:
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows two logos side by side. The logo on the left is for Medline, and it features a blue star-like symbol with the word "MEDLINE" in white letters. The logo on the right is for ReNewal, and it features the word "ReNewal" in green and blue letters, with the words "Full Circle Reprocessing" in smaller letters below.
Special 510(k) Notification
Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor, Model MAXNAR
# K201699 Summary
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is prepared in accordance with 21 CFR § 807.92.
| Submitter/Owner | Surgical Instrument Service and Savings (dba Medline ReNewal)<br>1500 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond, OR 97756 | | |
|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Prepared by/Contact Name | Stephanie Boyle Mays<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs<br>P: 541-516-4205 • F: 541-923-3375 • E:smays@medline.com | | |
| Date Prepared | June 19, 2020 | | |
| Device Name and Classification | Proprietary/Trade Name: | Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2<br>Sensor, model MAXNAR | |
| | Common or usual name | Oximeter, reprocessed | |
| | Regulatory Name/Reference: | Oximeter; 21 CFR § 870.2700 | |
| | Regulatory Class: | Class II | |
| | Product Code: | NLF | |
| | 510(k) number: | K181738 (March 22, 2019) | |
| Predicate Device | Proprietary/Trade Name: | Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2<br>Sensors, models MAXA, MAXAL, MAXP, and MAXI | |
| | Common or usual name | Oximeter, reprocessed | |
| | Regulatory Name/Reference: | Oximeter; 21 CFR § 870.2700 | |
| | Regulatory Class: | Class II | |
| | Product Code: | NLF | |
| | Panel: | Cardiovascular/anesthesiology | |
| | Manufacturer: | Surgical Instrument Service and Savings<br>(dba Medline ReNewal)<br>1500 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond, OR 97756 | |
| Statement of Indications for Use | The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor Model<br>MAXNAR is indicated for single patient use when continuous non-invasive<br>arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate monitoring is required for adult<br>patients as indicated in the sensor directions for use. This device is for<br>prescription use only. | | |
| Device Description | The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor, model<br>MAXNAR is designed for the continuous non-invasive monitoring of<br>functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate in<br>conjunction with a Nellcor Pulse Oximeter. The Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor, model MAXNAR, is intended<br>for prescription use with adult patients in hospitals, hospital-type facilities,<br>and intra-hospital transport. The proposed device is not provided sterile | | |
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Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows two logos side by side. The first logo is for Medline, and it features a blue star-like symbol with the word "MEDLINE" in blue letters next to it. The second logo is for ReNewal, and it features the word "ReNewal" in green and blue letters, with the words "Full Circle Reprocessing" in smaller blue letters below it.
Medline ReRenewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor, Model MAXNAR
| Statement of<br>Intended Use | Medline ReNewal Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor is indicated<br>for the continuous non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation<br>of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate. It is intended for use with<br>adult patients in hospitals, hospital-type facilities and intra-hospital<br>transport. The device is for prescription use only. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technological<br>(including<br>features,<br>materials and<br>principles of<br>operation) | The technological characteristics and the fundamental scientific technology<br>of the subject device are similar to the predicate devices. The proposed<br>device is a reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 Sensor as are the devices<br>within the scope of predicate K181738. The proposed device uses use an<br>adhesive bandage, light source (LEDs), photodetector (Faraday<br>cage/photodiode), cable, and connector in the same manner as the<br>predicate devices. The predicate devices were used to support intended<br>use, technological characteristics, and performance specifications. (Also<br>see comparison of technological features in the Summary Table) |
| Performance<br>Testing<br>Nonclinical<br>Tests | The functional characteristics of the predicate and proposed devices were<br>examined in K181738 and were evaluated in accordance with Pulse<br>Oximeters - Premarket Notifications Submissions [510(k)] Guidance for<br>Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff (March 4, 2013). Testing<br>included:<br>• Biocompatibility: cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation; acute systemic<br>toxicity<br>• Disinfection<br>• Shelf Life<br>• Electrical<br>• Performance testing:<br>• tissue heating<br>• pulse rate accuracy<br>• active element assessment<br>• adhesive peel and<br>• environment (extreme heat and operating conditions)<br>• Cleaning:<br>• visual inspection;<br>• cleaning efficacy (residual protein and residual hemoglobin). |
| Performance<br>Testing<br>Clinical Tests | The purpose of the clinical trial in predicate submission K181738 (which<br>included proposed device Model MAXNAR) was to perform an oxygen<br>saturation (SpO2) accuracy comparison. The study was conducted in<br>accordance with CFR for Non-significant Risk Investigational Studies,<br>following ISO 14155:2011 Clinical Investigation of medical devices for<br>human subjects – Good clinical practice as appropriate and the pulse<br>oximeter guidelines of ISO 80601-2-61:2011 Procedure for invasive<br>laboratory testing on healthy volunteers applicable sections and Pulse<br>Oximeters - Premarket Notifications Submissions [510(k)] Guidance for<br>Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff (March 4, 2013). After<br>Institutional Review Board Approval, 10 healthy adults volunteer subjects<br>(ages 25 to 36 yr.; weight 105 - 220 lb.; height 60 – 72 in.; BMI of 20.0 –<br>33.4) were included in the study which was conducted from May 9 to May |
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Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image contains two logos. The first logo is for Medline, and it features the word "MEDLINE" in a stylized font next to a blue star. The second logo is for ReNewal Full Circle Reprocessing, with the word "ReNewal" in green and the words "Full Circle Reprocessing" in blue below it.
| Performance<br>Testing<br>Clinical Tests<br>(concluded) | SpO2 accuracy of the proposed devices. The proposed devices achieved<br>an accuracy of 2% for 70% - 100% SpO2. The study concluded that the<br>SpO2 accuracy performance of the proposed devices passed the Arms<br>specification of 3% under steady state and non-motion conditions for the<br>range of 70% to 100%. | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Model | MAXNAR | | |
| Summary Table: Predicate (unmodified) and Proposed (modified) Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed Nellcor OxiMax SpO2 sensor comparison. | | | |
| | Predicate | Proposed | |
| Device<br>Characteristics | Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensors | Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensor, MAXNAR | Comparison |
| 510(k) Number | K181738 | TBD | N/A |
| Common Name | Oximeter | Oximeter | Same |
| Regulation No. | 870.2700 | 870.2700 | Same |
| Product Code | NLF | NLF | As stated |
| Models | MAXA, MAXAL, MAXP,<br>and MAXI | MAXNAR | As stated |
| Indications for Use | The Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensors<br>models MAXA, MAXP<br>and MAXI are indicated<br>for single patient use<br>when continuous non-<br>invasive arterial oxygen<br>saturation and pulse rate<br>monitoring are required<br>for patients in the sizes<br>indicated in the<br>respective sensor<br>directions for use. These<br>devices are for<br>prescription use only. | The Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensor<br>model MAXNAR is<br>indicated for single<br>patient use when<br>continuous non-invasive<br>arterial oxygen saturation<br>and pulse rate monitoring<br>is required for adult<br>patients as indicated in<br>the sensor directions for<br>use. This device is for<br>prescription use only. | Same |
| Intended Use | The reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensors<br>are indicated for the<br>continuous non-invasive<br>monitoring of functional<br>oxygen saturation of<br>arterial hemoglobin<br>(SpO2) and pulse rate.<br>They are intended for use<br>with pediatric and adult<br>patients in hospitals, | The reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensor is<br>indicated for the<br>continuous non-invasive<br>monitoring of functional<br>oxygen saturation of<br>arterial hemoglobin<br>(SpO2) and pulse rate. It<br>is intended for use with<br>adult patients in<br>hospitals, hospital-type | Same |
| | Predicate | Proposed | |
| Device<br>Characteristics | Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensors | Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensor, MAXNAR | Comparison |
| Intended Use<br>(concluded) | hospital-type facilities,<br>and intra-hospital<br>transport. These devices<br>are for prescription use<br>only. | facilities, and intra-hospital transport.<br>This device is for prescription<br>use only. | Same |
| Comparison of<br>technological<br>features | The reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensors<br>measure functional<br>oxygen saturation non-<br>invasively via a light<br>signal interacting with<br>tissue, by utilizing the<br>time-varying changes in<br>tissue optical properties<br>that occur with pulsatile<br>blood flow. Red and<br>infrared light-emitting<br>diodes (LEDS) are<br>utilized as light sources.<br>A photodiode acting as a<br>photo detector senses<br>the signal strengths of<br>the two wavelengths of<br>light, which vary with the<br>amount of light<br>transmitted through the<br>tissue. The pulse<br>oximeter receives this<br>electrical information<br>from the sensor and<br>processes the<br>information by use of an<br>algorithm to provide real<br>time values of SpO2,<br>pulse rate and pulse<br>amplitude. | The reprocessed Nellcor<br>OxiMax SpO2 Sensor<br>measures functional<br>oxygen saturation non-<br>invasively, via a light<br>signal interacting with<br>tissue, by utilizing the<br>time-varying changes in<br>tissue optical properties<br>that occur with pulsatile<br>blood flow. Red and<br>infrared light-emitting<br>diodes (LEDS) are<br>utilized as light sources.<br>A photodiode acting as a<br>photo detector senses<br>the signal strengths of<br>the two wavelengths of<br>light, which vary with the<br>amount of light<br>transmitted through the<br>tissue. The pulse<br>oximeter receives this<br>electrical information<br>from the sensor and<br>processes the<br>information by use of an<br>algorithm to provide real<br>time values of SpO2,<br>pulse rate and pulse<br>amplitude. | Same |
| Intended patient<br>population | Adult (MAXA, MAXAL),<br>Pediatric (MAXP), Infant<br>(MAXI) | Adult | Same as Predicate<br>MAXA, MAXAL |
| Device<br>Characteristics | Predicate<br>Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensors | Proposed<br>Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed<br>Nellcor OxiMax<br>SpO2 Sensor, MAXNAR | Comparison |
| Patient Weight<br>Range | • > 30 kg = adult (MAXA,<br>MAXAL)<br>• 10 - 50 kg = pediatric<br>(MAXP)<br>• 3 - 20 kg = infants (MAXI) | • > 40 kg = adult | Same<br>Within weight<br>range of Predicate<br>MAXA, MAXAL |
| Application site | • Finger = MAXA, MAXL,<br>MAXP<br>• Toe or digit of similar<br>size = MAXI | • Finger | Same as predicate<br>MAXA, MAXAL,<br>MAXP |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Use Environment | Hospitals, hospital-type<br>facilities, and<br>intra-hospital transport | Hospitals, hospital-type<br>facilities, and<br>intra-hospital transport | Same |
| Measurement<br>Parameter | Oxygen saturation, pulse<br>rate | Oxygen saturation, pulse<br>rate | Same |
| Monitor system<br>compatibility | Nellcor OxiMax and<br>Nellcor compatible pulse<br>oximeters | Nellcor OxiMax and<br>Nellcor compatible pulse<br>oximeters | Same |
| Specified SpO2<br>measurement<br>range | 70% - 100% (MAXA,<br>MAXAL, MAXP, MAXI) | 70% - 100% | Same |
| SpO2 accuracy | 70% - 100% ± 2 digits in<br>adults (MAXA, MAXAL,<br>MAXP, MAXI) | 70% - 100% ± 2 digits in<br>adults | Same |
| Pulse rate<br>measurement<br>range (bpm) | 20 - 250 bpm (MAXA,<br>MAXAL, MAXP, MAXI) | 20 - 250 bpm | Same |
| Pulse rate accuracy<br>(bpm) | 20 - 250 ± 3 digits<br>(MAXA, MAXAL, MAXP,<br>MAXI) | 20 - 250 ± 3 digits | Same |
| Temperature<br>Operational/<br>Storage | Operational = 5°C - 40°C<br>Storage = 20°C - 60°C | Operational = 5°C - 40°C<br>Storage = 20°C - 60°C | Same |
| Relative humidity | 15% - 95% no…
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.